firework displays

[Rusty]

The recommended safe distance for display/public is 25 metres and the fall out area behind 75 metres.

Rockets are probably the most catastrophic disasters I have witnessed usually when the motor isn't powerful enough to lift the body or they tip again due to weak motors and head straight down resulting in a ground burst. I personally won't use them unless there is a good deal of space, and I never buy cheap.

There was a group on KN a couple of years ago that managed to set fire to a whole load of there gear due to a similar malfunction. The ensuing panic and pandemonium was almost comical, thankfully no one was seriously hurt.

And as for the booze/fireworks combination, well I don't think I need to comment on that one.

Rusty

[Ferrari Spider]

Echo those comments, many years ago a competitor during the Cowes Friday night firework display took a red distress flare in the stomach, because some pratt fired it horizontaly across the achored boats.  It wasn't very appealing watching this person die.

The net result flares were band outright from then on.

[termietermite]

I also remember one amateur night when rockets were planted straight in the ground - I kid you not!  The resulting explosion was something to be heard.  Luckily nobody hurt but it was a near thing.

[Steve Pyro]

Some tosser fired a couple of parachute flares on HA on Sunday night.

I've seen these burn through tents and car paintwork in the past.

[Ferrari Spider]

Some tosser fired a couple of parachute flares on HA on Sunday night.

I've seen these burn through tents and car paintwork in the past.

One burned through our deck during a Cowes week Friday night display,  Right on the foredeck, fish and chips, Pimms, Gin and Tonic weren't strong enough to quench the fireball, got into the sail locker and at 5k a pop plus for the sails we weren't happy.

[jpchenet]

The firework that came into the bar area was let off by one of the Beermountain Team (the one in the kilt). I believe he'd set a Roman Candle style firework on top of the bank without securing it or digging it into the ground. The candle went off, knocked it over onto it's side, and the finale of the coloured airbombs was shot straight at us and exploded in Leigh's face just behind me. Very fortunate not to have any burns, although his vision was shot away for about a minute. The only permanent casualty were a couple were a couple of pairs of white under garments that now sport a brown go-faster stripe!

[nopanic - neil]

The Bretheren did a great job; they must be part time gardeners or miners as they were well buried.

[TonyT]

There seemed to be an 'official' display on Thursday night (midnight) on the Bugatti circuit. They spent all day setting it up.

It was a great show as well. Anyone else see it?

[Robspot]

The Bretheren did a great job; they must be part time gardeners or miners as they were well buried.

I'd be careful about calling The Brethren gardeners or miners, you're only uphill or marmite short of a kicking there 

[Christopher]

Having not received an injury or belongings damaged from an un-official display, I presently don't have a problem with it, but I can understand other less fortunate people's views on the matter.

What does surprise me is that a group of self proclaimed 'well-to-do Le Mans long timers' (camping next to the fence in Karting Nord) decided to set off fire works during Saturday night whilst the race was going on. The fireworks were directed over the track!

Nice distraction for the cars hurtling past!

[clkgtrlm1]

Having not been involved in any incidents myself, I must say that the displays are greatly appreciated and much part of the event, however echo that they have to be done safe, fireworks and booze don't mix very well (plus they don't light afterwards).

Have had experience of gas cylinders exploding vertically upwards on one occasion where some fool had lit an oil drum! The cylinder fortunately landed safely without harm, but some damage was done to surrounding tents by pieces of burning chicken carcass.

Moral, when you are going to burn stuff, try to predict all consequences.

[Boney2728]

We had some TW@T firing potatoes at our campsite , could be dangerous they should use corgettes instead.

[nickliv]

I must hold my hands up to popping a few gaz cylinders on the waste ground by the HA roundabout on Friday evening, at about dusk. (About 20 mins before the fireworks kicked off over there)

I've done it many times before, well buried upside down (In a mixture of weedkiller and sugar, - burns VERY hot) so that when the seal round the base pops which it's designed to do) the lid goes up about 50 feet, and you get a rather good rising fireball.

Everyone went woo, just like when a firework goes off. Well, the ones that weren't scopping widdle into cars.

Does this mean I'm an intenational terrorist? Hope not.

Did you see them and like them? Hope so.

[Boney2728]

I must hold my hands up to popping a few gaz cylinders on the waste ground by the HA roundabout on Friday evening, at about dusk. (About 20 mins before the fireworks kicked off over there)

I've done it many times before, well buried upside down (In a mixture of weedkiller and sugar, - burns VERY hot) so that when the seal round the base pops which it's designed to do) the lid goes up about 50 feet, and you get a rather good rising fireball.

Everyone went woo, just like when a firework goes off. Well, the ones that weren't scopping widdle into cars.

Does this mean I'm an intenational terrorist? Hope not.
Sums up the Houx really full of hooligans. Stopped going there in 95 . Seems like this element is spreading though. Think i may camp in the woods next year .

[nickliv]

The woods is where I was setting them off. Even I wouldn't camp there.